Scotch GameC45

Classical Variation, Blackburne Attack

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. c3 Nge7 7. Qd2

Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

Against the Classical ...Bc5, Nxc6 removes Black's best central defender. If ...Qf6 inserts a threat against f2, Qf3 defends without blocking the c1-bishop. After ...bxc6, develop Nd2-c4, castle and target c6 and c7. The gain is structural, not an immediate combination.

Black's plan

...Bc5 immediately puts two pieces on d4. After Nxc6, ...Qf6 threatens f2 before recapturing on c6, and this tempo avoids a passive ending. Black may accept doubled pawns in return for the bishop pair and seeks ...d5 to free the position.

The line, move by move

1. e4e4 occupies the center.
... e5e5 occupies the center.
2. Nf3Nf3 develops the knight and controls d4 and e5.
... Nc6Nc6 develops the knight and controls d4 and e5.
3. d4d4 strikes at the center.
... exd4exd4 captures a pawn, occupies the center.
4. Nxd4Nxd4 captures a pawn.
... Bc5Bc5 develops the bishop and controls d4.
5. Be3Be3 develops the bishop and controls d4.
... Qf6Qf6 controls d4 and e5.
6. c3c3 controls d4.
... Nge7Nge7 develops the knight and controls d5.
7. Qd2Qd2 controls d4.

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Other major variations

The complete Scotch Game guide See all 53 variations in the branch map